The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on Friday at its 81st session in New York granting Bangladesh a three‑year extension for its least developed country (LDC) status, extending the preparation period until November 24, 2029. Bangladesh had originally been slated to exit the LDC list on that date in 2026 under a 2018 transition plan.
The resolution cited economic uncertainties, external shocks and persistent vulnerabilities as reasons for the extension. By postponing graduation, Bangladesh retains duty‑free and quota‑free benefits for its exports to the European market, a key advantage for the country’s developing economy.
Alongside Bangladesh, Nepal also received a three‑year extension of its preparatory period, with both nations’ LDC status now set to conclude in late 2029.
According to a statement from Xinhua, the extension follows Bangladesh’s formal appeal to a United Nations subsidiary body and aligns with a similar extension previously granted to Nepal. Jagonews24 reported the same deadline, confirming the UN’s decision and the extension to November 24, 2029.
Analysts say the pause will give Bangladesh additional time to shore up infrastructure, reduce debt loads and improve governance in areas tied to the LDC criteria. The extended period is therefore seen as a crucial buffer amid both domestic and global economic challenges.
